Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), Jaisalmer

A living golden desert citadel rising out of the Thar Desert sands, housing palaces, Jain temples, and a thriving community.

Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Best time: October to March

How to reach: Jaisalmer Airport has direct seasonal flights. Well connected by overnight trains from Jaipur/Jodhpur.

Built in 1156 CE by Rawal Jaisal, the Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) is one of the very few living forts left in the world, with over 3,000 residents living within its ancient sandstone walls. When the sun sets across the Thar desert, its yellow sandstone ramparts radiate a magical golden glow.